At the 2012 “Best in Business” Awards, Bloomington business Matreks Printing won best Emerging Business for growth over the past three years. The company’s growth was attributed to client loyalty, equipment expansion, property acquisition and additional staffing. The company also supported the community through donated time, product and talent.

A panel of regional business experts reviewed dozens of nominees. Winners were recognized at the 2012 “Best in Business” Awards Luncheon on April 19, 2012. Owners Adam Johnston and Chris Hendler accepted the award.

Matreks Printing is a full-service, short-run digital printer that specializes in brochure, flyers, business cards, direct mail and envelope printing. They also have UV coating capabilities.

“Best in Business” is an annual event for the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.

“I feel honored that the chamber was able to recognize the risks that Chris and I took over the last several years,” said Adam Johnston. “With the economy contracting and many businesses circling the wagons, Chris and I saw an opportunity to grow our little business and it has been paying off. We continue to add new equipment and new customers and think that 2012 is going to be a great one for us and the economy.”

Founder and publisher of The Bloomington Crow, Gina Szafraniec, produces quality articles, videos and photos about Bloomington news for organizations, schools, businesses and people. While helping her brother, a paraplegic, swim the English Channel in 2002 and swim the Catalina Channel in 2003, she learned the importance and power of sharing one's story. She hopes to empower the people of Bloomington by sharing their stories. She is also a Girl Scout Troop leader, Optimist member and Bloomington Heritage Days board member and marketing director. She lives in Bloomington, Minn., with her family.